[Contraceptive methods and epilepsy. Consideration on its physiopathogenesis]

The authors present six cases of patients with catamenial epilepsy, that use contraceptive methods (hormonal and intrauterine device). A critical report of the physiopathogenic aspects of hormones and epilepsy is also made. The authors conclude that: 1 - It seems there is no doubt about the influence of sexual hormones in epilepsy. 2 - There is no previsibility about the consequence of the use of contraceptives (hormonal and IUD) in patients with catamenial epilepsy. 3 - Further studies are still necessary to demonstrate the risk factors of contraceptive methods in epileptic patients.